Like an electrician or a plumber, a trader must of good tools to get the work done. A couple of the basic tools a trader uses are a good computer and a good internet connection. Computers continue to get better and better of the years, and you can buy just about any computer of the shelf these days and it will work just fine. If looking for a computer, I would suggest a computer with an Intel i5 or i7 processor with at least 6GB of RAM. If you want a fast boot up time, get a computer with a Solid State hard drive. This hard drive acts just like a flash (thumb) drive, and can transfer data very quickly. They are more expensive than a standard hard drives, and hold less data, but if the computer is only being used for trading, then this will help in performance.
DTI considers the DTI RoadMap™ Software the best tool for trading. It tracks the markets 24 hours a day. The Compass charts give you an easy way of determining the trend of the market by giving vital data as well as buy and sell zones. The Horse Race helps you determine the strongest and weakest markets, and when used with the Railroad Tracks, you can figure out if markets are synchronized, and where markets should be based off an underlying security or futures contract.
Finally, your trading platform. You can’t make a without one. There are many to choose from and you will have to try a few to figure out which one you like best. Three trading platforms that allow you to trade both futures and equities are Interactive Brokers Trader Workstation, TD Ameritrade’s Think or Swim, and Trade Station. If you just want futures only, 3T Futures uses the 3T trading platform and clears through Gain Capital. All these platforms are very reliable and among the best in the industry. Choose wisely. Good luck trading.